“Sweet T&T!” That is how Trinbagonians often refer to our homeland and with good reason—our vibrant blend of multicultural festivals is rich with colour, creativity and life. Here is a glimpse into some of these celebrations.

February

Carnival Monday
Carnival Tuesday
February 16–17
The annual Carnival in T&T dates back to the 1780s, when an influx of immigrants from the French West Indies emigrated to Trinidad in response to the Cedula of Population. These immigrants included plantation owners as well as enslaved Africans. The French plantation owners would organize masquerades and balls before the fasting of Lent, while the enslaved Africans would stage their own mini-carnivals, using their own rituals and folklore, and imitating or mocking their masters’ masquerade balls.

Today, nearly 250 years later, the pre-Lenten date remains the same, but the festival is wildly different. Known as the “Greatest Show on Earth”, the highlight of T&T’s carnival experience is the grand street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. However, festivities begin just after Christmas, with dozens of high-energy parties and premier cultural competitions. This colourful and exuberant festival is a highlight of any visit to T&T.

Ramadan
February 17–March 19
Observed with the sighting of the new moon, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and commemorates the revelation of the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad. It is a sacred period of fasting, reflection and devotion. Fasting is a key religious duty and one of Islam’s five pillars. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated after the holy month of Ramadan.

Mosques and Islamic bodies in T&T including:
ASJA - 671-8250, 652-6061
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
33 Polo Ground Road Extension, Preysal

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March

Phagwa
March 4
Celebrations extending throughout the week
Phagwa, brought to Trinidad and Tobago by Indian indentured labourers from Bihar in 1845, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Although a Hindu festival, in T&T it is enjoyed by all who gather in open spaces as they playfully smear each other with brightly coloured powders (gulaal) and liquids known as abeer. Phagwa also features Chowtaal singing, an energetic folk tradition.
SDMS: 645-3240 | Hindu Prachaar Kendra: 790-6606

Eid-ul-Fitr
March 19–20
Date depends on the sighting of the moon.
Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast, marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims gather for special prayers, visit family and friends, share festive meals, and give charity. It is one of Islam’s major celebrations, embraced by communities nationwide, including non-Muslims who join in the visits and goodwill.

Mosques and Islamic bodies in T&T including:
ASJA: 671-8250, 652-6061
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
33 Polo Ground Road Extension, Preysal

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Spiritual Shouter Baptist Liberation Day
March 30
For decades, local Spiritual Shouter Baptists were banned from worship and forced to gather in secrecy. Their struggle for religious freedom gained momentum in the 1920s and 1930s, culminating in the repeal of the Prohibition Ordinance on March 30, 1951. In 1996, this triumph was honoured with a public holiday which is celebrated annually.
Contact: All Spiritual Shouter Baptist Churches in T&T

April

La Divina Pastora (Soparee K Mai)
April 3 (Good Friday)
La Divina Pastora of Siparia—revered by Catholics as the Holy Shepherdess and by many Hindus as Soparee K. Mai—draws thousands each year. Seen as Mary or the Hindu goddess, Durga/Kali, the dark-coloured statue unites diverse faiths in devotion, attracting many tourists and culminating in a grand Good Friday pilgrimage and a vibrant Feast of La Divina Pastora (held weeks later).
La Divina Pastora Roman Catholic Church: 649-2204

May‍

Indian Arrival Day
May 30

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June

Corpus Christi
June 4

Ganga Dhaara
TBA
The Annual Ganga Dhaaraa River Festival – Growing in popularity, this Hindu festival honours the sacred descent of the deity Ganga to earth. At the Marianne River in Blanchisseuse, devotees dressed in white or yellow offer prayers, flowers, coins, and deeyas in coconut boats as they join in singing and participate in rituals such as children’s ceremonial head-shaving.

St. Peter’s Day
June 29
St Peter’s Day is an important celebration for Roman Catholics, especially in coastal communities such as Chaguaramas, Cedros, Carenage and Moruga. In Carenage, the parish and residents host a yearly observance that features a walk to the shoreline, lively steel pan music, and a priest blessing the fishermen’s boats.
Carenage RC Church: 637-8309

Hosay
June 15–25
During Hosay, streets are filled with beautifully decorated tadjahs, mosque-like structures paraded amid vibrant flags and lively tassa drumming. Celebrated in St. James, Cedros and Tunapuna, the festival once exclusive to Shiite Muslims now welcomes those of various faiths. After Big Tadjah night, the tadjahs are ritually cast into the sea with prayers.
Facebook: St James/Cocorite Hosay Association

August

Emancipation Day
August 1
This day honours the abolition of slavery and the enduring strength of African ancestors. Although slavery officially ended in 1838, the day became a national holiday in 1985—making T&T the first country in the world to formally commemorate this milestone. Thousands gather in Port of Spain for the powerful Kamboule (Canboulay) procession, a reenactment of ancestral resistance. Celebrations also feature lectures, workshops, concerts, and cultural showcases, many centred around the lively Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
Contact: Emancipation Support Committee: 628-5008/628-9526

September

Ganesh Utsav
September 13–14
Ganesh Utsav, honours Lord Ganesha—the remover of obstacles. Hindus celebrate the event annually (usually between August and September). Handcrafted clay murtis are decorated with eco-friendly materials and carried to temples/homes in joyful processions. The 10-day observance ends with a symbolic immersion of the murti in a body of water (river, pond, sea).
SDMS:645-3240

October‍

Ramleela
Celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September-October)
In the weeks leading up to Divali, communities across Trinidad come alive with nightly Ramleela performances telling the story and teachings of Sri Rama—a key figure in Hinduism. Enjoyed by all faiths, thousands view the performances which trace Rama’s journey from birth to the defeat of Ravan, who embodies negativity, illustrating the triumph of good over evil.
National Ramleela Council: https://www.facebook.com/NRCTT/

First Peoples Heritage Celebrations
Held for one week culminating on October 14
This week-long celebration honours the rich legacy of Trinidad and Tobago’s First Peoples. Amerindian communities honour their ancestors and nature through prayer, song, and ceremonial rituals. Festivities feature regal processions, traditional attire, vibrant feasts and cultural events, including the Smoke Ceremony, Water Ritual, parades and educational programmes celebrating indigenous heritage.
Santa Rosa First Peoples: 664-1897

November

Kartik Snaan
October–November
The Hindu month observes Kartik Snaan, an important ritual bathing ceremony during the sacred lunar month of Kartik, which falls between October and November. This month, regarded as one of the most sacred in the Hindu calendar, is growing in popularity locally and celebrated in accordance with the full moon.

Divali (or Diwali)
November 8
The Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity is honoured for Divali which usually occurs during the months of October to November. Celebrating light over darkness and good over evil, communities throughout the country perform pujas (prayer ceremonies), light thousands of deeyas (clay lamps) as they celebrate with loved ones and traditional sweet and savoury dishes.
SDMS: 645-3240

December

December 25
A ‘Trini’ Christmas is truly one to be experienced. Radiating warmth, joy and community spirit, the season is alive with parang music, pastelles, ham and creamy ponche-de-crème. Midnight Mass fills churches across both islands, blending religion, tradition and festivity, creating a unique celebration that captures the true meaning of Christmas.

Odun Egungun
TBA
The Orisha Faith, having survived centuries of slavery and religious oppression, observes this meaningful celebration. Led by the Ile Ijosin Otura Meji Awon Osun, it is marked by deep reverence and sacred rites. During the Egungun, believed to channel ancestral spirits, participants wear elaborate masks and robes, creating a striking visual spectacle. The festivities culminate in a lively street procession, reflecting the faith’s resilience and enduring spirit.

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